Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Charles Fenno Hoffman 18061884
Charles Fenno Hoffman53 Monterey
W
Before the iron sleet that day—
Yet many a gallant spirit would
Give half his years if he then could
Have been with us at Monterey.
In deadly drifts of fiery spray, Yet not a single soldier quailed When wounded comrades round them wailed Their dying shout at Monterey. Through walls of flame its withering way; Where fell the dead, the living stept, Still charging on the guns which swept The slippery streets of Monterey. When, striking where he strongest lay, We swooped his flanking batteries past, And braving full their murderous blast, Stormed home the towers of Monterey. And there our evening bugles play; Where orange boughs above their grave Keep green the memory of the brave Who fought and fell at Monterey. Beside the brave who fell that day; But who of us has not confessed He’d rather share their warrior rest Than not have been at Monterey?